More Information

October 2016

Many FDA-regulated imports now require ACE entry filing

The end of paper-based filing for US customs entries is drawing very close.

By the end of 2016 the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) will become part of the Single Window Initiative: all paper filing and all manual practices will become obsolete.

The first changes to the existing systems were introduced on 15th June, when ACE became the sole US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) system recognised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used for filing a wide range of customs entries.

A second set of changes then came into force on 23rd July, making ACE the sole CBP-authorised EDI system to be used by all filers for a further list of both full and summary entries.

The introduction of all new ACE regulations and procedures - due to be completed by the end of December 2016 - will be of great practical benefit to all those who do business with the US. That’s because it will make entry and release processes quicker, easier and error-free – and that means you’ll be able to comply faster and more efficiently with customs regulations of all types, to the benefit of you and all your US customers.

Please do therefore make sure that you and your customers are fully aware of all the current and planned changes related to the introduction of ACE, as failure to comply with the new regulations may result in clearing delays and possible additional charges related to the incorrect filing of entries. In particular, please note that US Customs will no longer accept entry submissions using the Automated Commercial System (ACS).

For detailed information on all aspects of the new ACE entry filing requirements visit the dedicated page on the US customs website.